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"I have never forgotten the sorrow and the pride I felt as my sister and I huddled around the nursery wireless set listening to my father's [George VI's] inspiring words on that fateful day in 1939 [at the start of the World War II].

"Not for a single moment did I imagine that this solemn and awful duty would one day fall to me.

"But whatever terrors lie in wait for us all, the qualities that have helped to keep our freedom intact twice already during this sad century will once more be our strength.

"The Queen introduces a personal note into the speech, adding, "My husband and I share with families up and down the land the fear we feel for sons and daughters, husbands and brothers who have left our side to serve their country."

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Queen Elizabeth's son was in the Navy at the time

The Queen’s son, Prince Andrew was serving in the navy in 1983 and she wishes his safety.

Her Highness added: "My beloved son Andrew is at this moment in action with his unit and we pray continually for his safety and for the safety of all servicemen and women at home and overseas.

"It is this close bond of family life that must be our greatest defence against the unknown.

"If families remain united and resolute, giving shelter to those living alone and unprotected, our country's will to survive cannot be broken."

The speech concludes with the Queen blessing the country to fight of "new evil".

It said: "As we strive together to fight off the new evil, let us pray for our country and men of goodwill wherever they may be. God Bless you all."

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Queen Elizabeth: Tensions between the UK and Russia have been high since Sergei Skripal was poisoned

ensions between Russia and the UK have been escalating.

Putin hit back at the UK’s accusations and Theresa May’s “ultimatum”.

In response to the alleged poisoning, the UK expelled 23 high-level 'diplomats', which the Prime Minister said were in reality "undeclared intelligence officers".

The move marks the biggest such dismissal in more than 30 years.

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s claim the Kremlin had “no connection” to the poisoning of double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury and issued a stark warning to the UK.

Russian news agency Tass quoted Mr Peskov as saying: "Moscow's stance is well-known, London was told about Moscow's position through diplomatic channels. Moscow has no connection to the incident that took place in the United Kingdom.

"Moscow won't accept absolutely unfounded accusations against it, which are not substantiated by any evidence, and won't accept the language of ultimatum."